TAHS plans virtual Commencement ceremony May 16

The Class of 2020 has had an unusual end to their Senior year. No one knew that when they left their high school for Spring Break in March they would not be returning again for classes.

It was on March 17, 2020 that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem announced that there would be no school across the state for one week due to the Cornoavirus Pandemic. That one week, turned into one month, and that turned into the remainder of the school year.

School Districts adapted their learning plans and Tea Area School District provided plans for online instruction. Now the School District is planning for a virtual graduation.

The Tea Area High School senior class officers decided to hold TAHS 2020 Commencement ceremony virtually on May 16th and have scheduled a traditional Commencement service for July 25th, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.

Various K-12 Graduation awards will be announced during the virtual ceremony. Commencement will be held on the original date Saturday, May 16th at 2:00 p.m. The vision of this day is to create a virtual celebration for the TAHS Class of 2020 graduates.

Titan graduates will have a scheduled time in the school, following strict CDC guidelines, to receive their belongings and materials. Graduates will also receive caps and gowns at this time and take pictures and videos while obtaining a diploma. Guardians will be allowed to attend with seniors.

A professional video will be created and released at 2:00 p.m. on May 16th.

The traditional commencement program will be followed with additional recognition of awards, distinctions, and accomplishments. Graduates will be encouraged to sign in and watch graduation on May 16 together as a class on Zoom (all Titan graduates will have access to a closed network to watch the video together) and Youtube as it is live streamed to the public for the first time.

Then later this summer, the traditional TAHS Commencement will be held Saturday, July 25th, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. The vision of this day is to host a formal Commencement ceremony in Tea Area High School’s gym. This day will include as many formal presentations, speeches, and performances as possible. The day will only be allowed within CDC guidelines of the date. Should large gatherings not be allowed, the ceremony would be cancelled.